When it comes to singles looking for an apartment in NYC, choosing a studio or one bedroom is the one question probably foremost in their minds. There are many factors that can help you figure out which way you ought to go, but keep in mind that your choice will affect your life in major ways. If you’re on the fence about what to look for when it comes to choosing the layout of your humble abode, the following three tips may help.
1. If you’re considering a studio, is it a dorm-style studio, or is it a spacious, roomy one? There are studios, and then there are studios. Remember your dorm room freshman year? It was nothing more than a square where you studied, partied, slept, ate, befriended and defriended, and pretty much lived your entire life. You were so psyched about living on your own for what was most likely the first time in your life that it probably escaped your notice that you barely had room to turn around. But it was cool as a student; would a space like that still be cool as an adult? That’s basically for you to decide. One glance at HGTV’s Tiny House Hunters will tell you that some people have no trouble living in the very smallest of places. If the very idea has you clawing at the air, you’d be more suited to a larger studio with more defined living spaces. An alcove studio, for instance, would allow you to hide your bed away from your main living space, creating the illusion of more rooms.
2. Is the one bedroom actually bigger or is it basically the studio with a wall in the middle? If you’re considering a studio or one bedroom, you’ll want to make sure that the one bedroom is actually bigger. Some buildings have one bedrooms that are only slightly larger than the studios they offer but at significant markups. With all things being equal (location, building style, amenities, etc.), make sure that the one bedroom you choose offers measurably more space than a studio.
3. Can you take the financial hit (if there is one)?
Okay, you think you’ve made your decision, and you’re ninety-four-and-a-half percent sure that you’re going with the one bedroom. You’re probably sick of asking yourself questions, but here’s the biggest one of all: Can you really afford the one bedroom if it’s priced significantly higher than the studio? Make a list of all of your monthly bills. If you’re paying an amount that leaves you with very little left over at the end of the month and you don’t have alternative funding sources (parents, etc.), you may want to reconsider. It’s true that more space is extremely appealing, but it will quickly become a burden if you struggle to pay it. If more space is a must, consider a less expensive area or borough where you can get more bang for your buck.
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